Mozzie myths busted: how to keep the itchy buggers at bay

By Clare Rawlinson, Richard Margetson

Wet Season rains and hot evenings spent outdoors provide the perfect environment for mosquito bites at this time of year. But with the risk of mosquito-borne diseases in the Top End, are we using repellents that actually work?

Mosquito expert Dr Cameron Webb from the University of Sydney says despite the huge range of repellents on the market, there is only a handful of active ingredients to choose between, such as DEET and Icaridin.

"They've been shown time and time again not only to be safe for human beings but to deter mosquitoes," Dr Webb told 105.7 Mornings.

Natural repellents?

"Plant-based repellents such as eucalyptus oil can work but only over a short period of time so you've got to be prepared to reapply regularly."

But application can be the key, as a mosquito can find parts of exposed skin that haven't been covered with repellent.

"People sometimes forget, they spray a dab here or there but you've got to get a thin film of cover all over the exposed skin," Dr Webb said.

"Unless you do, the mosquitoes will find those little chinks in your arm and get through."

Typical spots left exposed include behind knees, between toes, around the hands and the armpits.

Diet and vitamins?

Vitamin B is often thought of as a common home remedy repellent, but has been tested in scientific studies in the US showing it does not actually provide deterrent or any relief against bites.

"Even if there is some protection associated with it, it doesn't provide complete protection and it only takes one mosquito to transmit disease causing pathogens," Dr Webb said.

"I wouldn't waste my time with anything you can eat or drink as deterrents, I'd slap on the repellent or cover up."

Mobile apps?

Several smartphone apps have also been developed, suggesting to emit an audio frequency only audible to mosquitoes, which can act as a deterrent.

Dr Webb says these are "essentially completely false".

"Time and time again various devices that emit sound have been promoted and sold to deter mosquitoes but there's no scientific evidence.

"There's a problem with products like that because you're giving people a false sense of protection.